Forest Boffin

After a mini-revival, Forest's play-off hopes were crushed ruthlessly by Bournemouth on Saturday. If you want to know why Forest have been conceding so many goals recently, you need only look at how The Cherries tore Forest apart. I've been intrigued - and at times appalled - by what has been occurring in Forest's midfield since Davies' departure. The stark contrast for Gary Brazil's first game in charge was that the front four players were operating as a separate entity to the back six; there was a big gap between the two groups, possibly caused by, or contributing to, The Reds' more direct approach to going forward (see my match report  for a more detailed discussion on this). I believe this mentality has continued with some players - the midfielders have, at times, been leaving the defenders to face the music alone, culminating in the game at Bournemouth. The issue is less obvious for Bournemouth's first goal - the main error was in central defence ...

Since my last look at the battle for the last remaining play-off spot, there have been just three games in The Championship , but they could all prove crucial. Each of the results went against Forest; on Tuesday night Reading beat Middlesbrough, as we expected. This was their game in hand, and they leap-frogged Forest in the process. Leicester's victory against Bolton on the same evening could also prove costly, as it won them the title; a loss would have spurred Burnley on, who we need to carry on picking up points as they face two of our rivals. Matters took a further turn for the worst last night, with Brighton beating Yeovil 2-0. I had a sneaking suspicion that Yeovil would get a result against The Royals, but it was not to be. So Forest's two main rivals for sixth place have both struck significant blows,  leaving very little room for error. With both Reading and Brighton winning, it would seem that Forest too must win today against Bournemouth - although a draw...

Seven clubs are left scrambling for the (realistically) single remaining play-off place as The Championship draws to another thrilling conclusion. Unbelievably, with no team seeming able to string a few wins together, Forest are amongst them. People have suggested that the quality of league is down - because many teams are unable to find consistent form. Personally I would argue the opposite; that so many teams are making great strides that just about everyone has the players capable of winning a game, it is a more even league rather than a poorer one. What is undeniable is that it's exciting, with twelfth-place Watford in with almost as good a chance at promotion as sixth-place Brighton. But who has the upper hand? Who has the easier fixtures, the better squad available - who will prevail? Brighton   The Seagulls are clearly a side on the up but may be about to experience another dramatic choke. They arguably don’t score enough goals, relying heav...

As the play-offs look to be slipping from Forest's grasp they welcome Sheffield Wednesday side to The City Ground this week. The Reds face a tougher side than the one they beat 1-0 earlier in the season - but there are weaknesses to be exploited. We're about to see what Gary Brazil is made of. The Owls have injury problems with both centre-backs (who have been impressive) out, necessitating a reshuffle which may also interfere with their midfield - I expect either Kieren Lee, or more likely Liam Palmer to be hauled back into the defence. Both have been playing well in midfield according to Wednesday fans. They will probably play with an attacking 4-5-1. Before viewing Wednesday I expected them to be a tough defensive unit, but they are more positive than I envisaged, and the wide midfielders are more forwards than wing-backs in my opinion. More on this shortly. It's difficult to say how Forest caretaker Brazil will set his team up, but the most important factor wil...